Sikhism. It is one of the youngest religions in the world, and yet has such a strong foundation and high beliefs with many millions of followers. It has been around for just over 300 years. For those who don't know, I am a Sikh. The following is an introduction to Sikh beliefs:
Simran and Sewa: These are the foundations of Sikhism. It is the duty of every Sikh to practise Naam Simran daily and engage in Sewa whenever there is a possibility- in Gurdwara; in community centre; old people's homes; care centres; major world disasters, etc
The Three Pillars of Sikhism: Guru Nanak formalised these three important pillars of Sikhism:
Naam Japna: – A Sikh is to engage in a daily practise of meditation and Nitnem by reciting and chanting of God’s Name.
Kirat Karni: - To live honestly and earn by ones physical and mental effort while accepting Gods gifts and blessings. A Sikh has to live as a householders carrying out his or her duties and responsibilities to the full.
Vand Chakna: - The Sikhs are asked to share their wealth within the community and outside by giving Dasvandh and practising charity (Daan). To “Share and consume together”.
Vand Chakna: - The Sikhs are asked to share their wealth within the community and outside by giving Dasvandh and practising charity (Daan). To “Share and consume together”.
Kill the Five Thieves: The Sikh Gurus tell us that our mind and spirit are constantly being attacked by the Five Evils – Kam (Lust), Krodh (Rage), Lobh (Greed), Moh (Attachment) and Ahankar (Ego). A Sikh needs to constantly attack and overcome these five vices; be always vigilant and on guard to tackle these five thieves all the time!
Positive Human Qualities: The Sikh Gurus taught the Sikhs to develop and positive human qualities which lead the soul closer to God and away from evil. These are: Sat (Truth); Daya (Compassion); Santokh (Contenment); Nimrata (Humility); and Pyare (Love).
Sikhs believe in the following:
There is one God: God made everything. God is called Satguru – "True Guru" and Waheguru - "Wonderful Guru". Sikh basic beliefs are summed up in the words of the Mool Mantar, the first hymn written by Guru Nanak and part of Japji Sahib, the first Ban that appears in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib:
There is only one God. Truth is his name. He is the Creator.
He is without fear. He is without hate. He is timeless and without form. He is beyond death, the Enlightened One. He can be known by the grace of the Guru.
(Mool Mantar)
There is one God: God made everything. God is called Satguru – "True Guru" and Waheguru - "Wonderful Guru". Sikh basic beliefs are summed up in the words of the Mool Mantar, the first hymn written by Guru Nanak and part of Japji Sahib, the first Ban that appears in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib:
There is only one God. Truth is his name. He is the Creator.
He is without fear. He is without hate. He is timeless and without form. He is beyond death, the Enlightened One. He can be known by the grace of the Guru.
(Mool Mantar)
When Sikhs speak of the Guru they are referring to God, the Great Teacher. God, the unknowable, becomes the teacher who reveals God to those who follow. God created everything, so all life is good, but attachment to material things leads to reincarnation and the sufferings of birth and death. The goal of Sikhism is to end the cycle of rebirth and be united with God.
Service and devotion: or Sewa and Simran
Service and devotion: or Sewa and Simran
Sikhs emphasise two primary aspects of daily life: service and devotion to God. Service means honest work and service to the community - Sewa, in which all are equal regardless of caste, creed, race or gender. Devotion is cultivated by singing devotional hymns and by meditation on the holy name of God - Simran and Naam Japna
There is only One God who is purely spiritual and does not take human form.
All creation is part of God and is an expression of God’s Divine Spirit Naam and His Will Hukam.
All human beings have an immortal soul (atma) which is part of God and is on a journey to reunite with Him (Mukti).
All creation is part of God and is an expression of God’s Divine Spirit Naam and His Will Hukam.
All human beings have an immortal soul (atma) which is part of God and is on a journey to reunite with Him (Mukti).
All human beings are equal regardless of race, religion, gender, age or social class.
All people are equal:
You must all live together.
You must be kind are share what you have. (Wand kay Shako)
All people can talk to God.
Lasting happiness can only be found when the soul reunites with God
Service to others (sewa), while remembering God at all times (simran), are essential if the soul is to reunite with God
Live a life of a house-holder and live a truthful life earning a honest living while remembering God (Kirat Karni)
All people are equal:
You must all live together.
You must be kind are share what you have. (Wand kay Shako)
All people can talk to God.
Lasting happiness can only be found when the soul reunites with God
Service to others (sewa), while remembering God at all times (simran), are essential if the soul is to reunite with God
Live a life of a house-holder and live a truthful life earning a honest living while remembering God (Kirat Karni)
Sikhs must not drink alcohol, smoke or gamble. They have one wife or husband. They must pray every morning. They must read the holy book everyday. The Ten Gurus (teachers) of the Sikh told the people what God wanted; how they should live their lives; and how peace and tranquillity could be obtained.
Sikhs who become Khalsa must wear the 5Ks – Uncut Hair Kesh, Small Comb Kanga, Bangle Kara, Special Shorts Kacha and Sword Kirpan.
4 comments:
Nice article. Good to see you have updated your blog. Keep at it :-)
nice cut and paste job. Why don't you write about what sikhi means to you. and what you are doing to be a sikh. i think that would be more interesting.
Some might see it as just a cut and paste job,while others might see it as useful information.
I take it that Baljinder has quite a few non-sikh friends and this insight to sikhi can be very useful for them.
yes most of the post was cut and paste, but it was not meant to be an article from my opinion. All I was doing was informing people who do not follow Sikhi some basic beliefs of Sikhism, and to those who do follow Sikhi, it was just a reminder of what Sikhi is based on. I was just wondering though, who are you, and if you're going to leave a comment like that you can at least leave your name.
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